Romney energizes ND Republicans during Fargo visit

FARGO – Former Massachusetts governor and 2008 presidential candidate Mitt Romney energized North Dakota Republicans today as a special guest for the opening of the state party’s “victory office.”

Romney stayed overnight in Fargo, after attending a North Dakota GOP fundraiser Tuesday evening near Mapleton that drew about 150 supporters, according to party officials.

In a short speech before a crowd of about 60 Republican supporters this morning, Romney voiced enthusiastic support for the North Dakota GOP’s candidates for U.S. Senate and House, Gov. John Hoeven and Fargo legislator Rick Berg.

“Across the country, one thing people recognize is that this country is headed in the wrong direction,” Romney said to the GOP supporters this morning. “In my view, to pass on these burdens to our kids and our grandkids is immoral. That’s why I think you’re going to find that Rick Berg and John Hoeven are elected to represent the people of North Dakota and to get America back on track.”

Romney has been touring the country in support of Republican candidates for federal office, and he highlighted North Dakota’s importance on the national stage this political season.

“We’re looking to North Dakota,” Romney said. “The rest of the country is looking to see what you can do here.”